Morphometric analysis and change detection in Yamuna riverbed in Delhi

ABSTRACT

Morphometry is the process that deals with mathematical analysis and calculations of the various land surface dimensions. In this study, morphometry analysis and changes in riverbeds due to anthropogenic activities have been studied using geospatial techniques for a stretch of the Yamuna river in Delhi. The parametric values related to morphometry, such as low permeability and high surface run-off were determined through Remote Sensing, which is helpful to understand the characteristics of the area. The study reveals that morphometric parameters and land surface properties are closely interrelated and are dependent on each other. Analysis has lightened up that over the year river span has been reduced from 5.15 to 4.23 sq. km and there is a trend of reduction and alteration of the channel in upcoming days. The morphometric conditions also indicate a concern of flood during monsoon. This study also focuses on the adverse effects of anthropogenic activities on the Yamuna riverbed morphology. There is a need for restriction on haphazard human activities, effective planning and management for sustainable development of the Yamuna riverbed in Delhi. The study suggests further research on aquatic ecology, water quality, and life expectancy of the river due to immense anthropogenic pressure.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthropogenic activities
• morphometry
• object-based image analysis
• remote sensing and geographical information system
• Yamuna river

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Director, CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, for providing the necessary infrastructure and support for carrying out this research study. All authors performed equally.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Satellite data were downloaded from USGS Earth Explorer. Direct requests for these materials may be made to the provider as indicated in the Acknowledgements. All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.